Self-rated health in Swedish pregnant women: a comprehensive population register study

Background/Aims Sociodemographic factors are associated with perceived overall health status or ‘self-rated health’. However, research using data from the comprehensive population register in Sweden to examine self-rated health in pregnant women is limited. This study aimed to examine sociodemographic factors associated with self-rated health before, during and after pregnancy in low-risk pregnant women, based on comprehensive population register data in Sweden. Methods This was a retrospective analysis of the Swedish pregnancy register (Graviditets registret). Data from 167523 women were tested with group comparisons and ordinal regression analyses. Results Women between the ages of 25 and 29 years and primiparas were less likely to self-rate their health lower.Women born outside Scandinavia, those whose education did not reach university level, jobseekers, those on parental leave and students were more likely to report lower self-rated health.Women with risky behaviours, such as alcohol consumption and those who smoked and/or snuffed were more likely to report lower self-rated health. Conclusions The findings indicate that preventive and health promoting actions in the midwifery profession should build on awareness of possible associated sociodemographic factors.